Lewis University

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Lewis University, guided by its Catholic and Lasallian heritage, provides students a liberal and professional education, grounded in the interaction of knowledge and fidelity in the search for truth. Lewis promotes the development of the complete person through the pursuit of wisdom and justice. Fundamental to its Mission is a spirit of association, which fosters community in all teaching, learning, and service.

Student Profile

Fall 2017 Enrollment
4,506 undergraduate students
82% of undergrad students are full time
47% male — 53% female
9% of students are from out of state

Faculty Profile

Residence Life

Fall 2017
43% of first year students live on campus
22% of all students live on campus

School Location

Lewis University’s main, 410 acre campus is located in Romeoville, Illinois 35 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Lewis has additional campus sites in Hickory Hills, Oak Brook, and Tinley Park. Lewis also has a campus located in Albuquerque, NM.

RETENTION FALL 2017

80% of students began in Fall 2016 and returned in Fall 2017 (full-time, first-time freshmen)

6-YEAR GRADUATION RATE FALL 2017

61% of students graduated in 6 years

ENROLLMENT BY RACIAL/ETHNIC CATEGORY - FALL 2017

Nonresident aliens

2%

Hispanic/Latino

20%

Black or African American

5%

White

59%

American Indian or Alaska Native

0%

Asian

4%

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

0%

Two or more races

3%

Race and/or ethnicity unknown

7%

ATHLETICS

Lewis University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). Lewis is also a member of the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (men’s volleyball), and the National Cheerleaders Association.

There are 20 teams (10 for men and 10 for women) including baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field and volleyball.

Mascot: Bedcheck CharlieColors: Red and White

OTHER INFORMATION

Lewis University was founded in 1932 under the direction of the Chicago Archdiocese and Bishop Bernard J. Sheil. It began as the Holy Name Technical School for boys. Aviation technology became the special emphasis of instruction and the origin of today’s highly regarded Department of Aviation and Transportation Studies. In 1960, the De La Salle Christian Brothers, a religious order devoted exclusively to teaching, assumed direction of the institution. Lewis University as known today, was established in 1973.

More Distinctions

The seventh largest private university in Illinois, Lewis University has the largest private, non-profit undergraduate nursing program in the state and is the only school in Illinois to be selected by the FAA to offer a degree in Air Traffic Control.

Common Reader Series

The Common Reader Series at Lewis University engages first year students in their Introduction to the College Experience (ICE) courses. The book is chosen by faculty and staff to teach a life lesson, In addition, the English Department also uses the book in College Writing courses. First year students are introduced to the book over the summer in their Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) sessions. In addition, students in Summer Bridge read and discuss the book as part of that program.

Study Abroad

Lewis University provides many opportunities for students to learn outside of the classroom setting. Study Abroad Programs allow students to travel the world to places like Dubai, Switzerland and China, immersing themselves in other cultures while enhancing the knowledge they have learned back home in the classroom.

Applied Research

Student researchers are able to share their findings with Lewis’ Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). The eight-week SURE program was created to encourage and enhance research opportunities for Lewis faculty and students. Students work directly with faculty mentors in their discipline on research projects. Lab and research work includes discipline-specific research team meetings and educational field trips.

Celebration of Scholarship

This annual symposium provides a rich opportunity for students to present scholarly work to a student, faculty, and staff audience to celebrate the academic excellence that is central to the Mission of the University. Undergraduate and graduate students in any major are encouraged to submit posters, present a paper at a concurrent session, or present a creative work.

Service Learning

Lewis students are active global citizens, travelling on mission trips throughout the world to countries such as Bolivia and the Philippines, and supporting their community through volunteerism. The opportunity to give back begins before classes even start with Welcome Days “SOAR into Community,” where nearly 500 students go out into the community and work on various community service projects.

ACTIVITIES OFFERED

Campus Ministries

X

Choral groups

X

Concert band

Dance

X

Drama/theatre

X

International Student Organization

X

Jazz band

X

Literary magazine

X

Marching band

Model UN

X

Music ensembles

X

Musical theatre

X

Opera

Pep band

X

Radio station

X

Student government

X

Student newspaper

X

Student-run film society

Symphony orchestra

X

Television station

X

Yearbook

Lasallian teaching

Lewis University is a Catholic University in the Lasallian tradition. Following the teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of educators and founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis faculty are devoted to great teaching. Each year, a faculty member is awarded the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award for excellence in teaching and is chosen because of their devotion to student learning and to the University Mission.

At Lewis University, students, faculty and staff come together to challenge and support each other toward academic, personal, professional and spiritual growth. The University Mission is a guiding principle of the University, which promotes the development of the complete person through the pursuit of wisdom and justice. Fundamental to the Mission is a spirit of association, which fosters community in all teaching, learning and service.

Lewis University requires a core curriculum of general education requirements for all students, regardless of major, which is testament to the University’s liberal learning foundation. Internships and practical experiences are encouraged for all majors, promoting a practical education. Prepared, ethical, and globally minded citizens are the outcome of a Lewis University education.

Doherty Center

The Doherty Center for Aviation and Health Research was established to promote scholarship and innovation in the fields of health and aviation and to create mutually beneficial partnerships with business and industry. Students work with faculty on projects that will have an impact on the aviation industry such as Determining the Hazardous Effects of Flight Deck Laser Illumination Events.

Business Plan Competition

To encourage entrepreneurship, the University hosts the Business Plan Competition, which is open to all undergraduate and graduate students. Students formulate an idea, develop a business plan, and pitch their idea to a panel of judges. The winner(s) of the competition earn $5,000 to be used towards their business venture.

CLASS SIZE BREAKDOWN

Size

2-9

10-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-99

100+

Total

Number of Classes

205

491

297

76

13

4

0

1086

Lewis University supports learning whenever and wherever possible! Lewis has many seminars, lectures, organizations and programs to allow students to be exposed to new ideas and unique experiences on a daily basis.

Arts & Ideas

The annual Arts & Ideas series program at Lewis University features unique cultural, artistic and entertainment events on campus and has grown every year. The program currently has more than 100 events each semester. Faculty from nearly every department at the University participates in presenting programs on current topics of societal interest.

Multicultural Student Services

Annual “Si Se Puede” and “Fulfilling the Dream” conferences feature speakers who motivate Latino students and African American students to overcome obstacles that they may face in pursuing higher education. Workshops on financial aid, choosing a college, and other topics are offered to area high school students, with Lewis University students actively involved in mentoring and assisting the students.

Clubs and Organizations

The University supports more than 100 student organizations with interests that range from cultural clubs to Greek organizations and Academic and Honorary clubs. Lewis’ nationally ranked Mock Trial team, award-winning student newspaper, and groundbreaking student radio and television stations provide students ample opportunity to expand their knowledge, learn new skills, and have fun!

CAMPUS HOUSING OPTIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATES

Coed dorms

X

Men’s dorms

Women’s dorms

Apartments for married students

Apartments for single students

Special housing for disabled students

X

Special housing for international students

Fraternity/sorority housing

Cooperative housing

Theme housing

X

Wellness housing

Other housing options

X

Other: Learning Communities and Suite-Style Accommodations

Few universities offer an education that feels as personal as it does at Lewis. Small class sizes mean faculty get to know each student and their goals. Each student’s success is of paramount importance.

As the largest undergraduate nursing program in Illinois among private, nonprofit schools, Lewis University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions has a nearly 100 percent pass rate on nursing licensure (NCLEX) exams. The only university in Illinois to offer an air traffic control program, the Aviation Program at Lewis consistently boasts an above average pass rate on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Maintenance Technician (AMT) Exam.

Career Services

Lewis students also have the support of the Office of Career Services, which regularly runs internship and job fairs for Lewis students and alumni. The office also assists with internship placement. Recent internships include: American Airlines, Argonne National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy, and LaSalle Bank.

Alumni

Graduates leave Lewis prepared to lead in their careers and make a difference in their communities. With an alumni network of nearly 40,000, Lewis helps students make the connections they need to successfully fulfill their dreams.

ADMISSIONS

Admissions Fall 2017

Selectivity54% of applicants admitted

Admissions Deadlines for 2018-19 Admission

Rolling admission? Yes

Priority date: Apr 15

ADMISSIONS FACTORS

Very ImportantRigor of secondary school record Academic GPA Standardized test scores